DEARBORN, Mich., March 28, 2012 – The first-ever performance version of the Ford Explorer arrives this year with the highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs.

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

Power, capability, fuel efficiency
Completely new for 2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over customers with its improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and convenience technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by an SUV.

For the 2013 model year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway – anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift AutomaticTM transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.

The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling.

Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio, providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off.

The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.

Comfort, convenience, connectivity
As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

4WD with Terrain Management System

Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control

10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar

Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar

First-row heated seats

Compass and exterior temperature display

Rear view camera

SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology

Sony® Premium Audio System with HD RadioTM and 12 speakers

Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options as well:

Active park assist

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert

Inflatable rear seat belts

110-volt outlet

PowerFold mirrors

Intelligent access with Push-Button Start

Remote Start

Adjustable pedals with memory

Dual-panel moonroof

Power liftgate

Class III trailer-towing package

Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. It will arrive in dealerships later this year.

Palo Alto Welcomes Ford’s Silicon Valley Lab in Summer 2012

Palo Alto, CA – The City of Palo Alto and Ford Motor Company officials announced today that Ford has officially selected Palo Alto for its Silicon Valley Lab, the first such research operation for Ford on the West Coast.

“We’re delighted to announce that we’ve identified a location in downtown Palo Alto, a city that is clearly at the center of technological innovation,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford’s chief technical officer and vice president of Research and Innovation. “Together with our research teams in Dearborn, Mich.; Aachen, Germany; Nanjing, China; and Tel Aviv, Israel; our new Silicon Valley Lab will help us innovate even faster as emerging ideas and technologies are key part of the culture. We think Palo Alto is a perfect fit for us and look forward to becoming part of the community.”

Palo Alto couldn’t agree more. “When Ford announced in January that they were focusing on the Silicon Valley for their innovation lab, we knew it should be in Palo Alto,” said Thomas Fehrenbach, the city’s economic development manager. “That’s why we reached out to offer our assistance. We’re excited to welcome Ford to our vibrant downtown.”

The new Ford lab will serve as a hub for independent technology projects and identification of new research investments and partners located along the West Coast. New employees are being recruited locally and rotated-in from the global network of Ford staff and will spend their time discovering new trends, developing innovative technologies and ideas and initiating collaborative research projects.

“The city of Palo Alto has been a pleasure to work with and was instrumental in helping Ford get settled in the Valley,” said TJ Giuli, Ford researcher and Stanford University alum who finds himself back in Palo Alto having relocated from Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn to lead the establishment of the Lab. “The excitement from the technical community is palpable and the opportunities are already overwhelming, but we’re ready.”